Fabrics and Flammability

We investigated the origins and properties of common fabrics.

We looked at:

• Cotton - from the cotton pods to cotton thread and fabric
• Wool - from raw sheeps' wool to felt and woollen cloth
• Silk - from a silk moth's coccoon to silk fabric
• Linen - from flax to fabric
• Man-made fabrics such as nylon

We considered the properties of these fabrics, and tested which were most flammable.

Polymers: Synthesising Nylon

We performed the 'Nylon rope trick' - we synthesised a polymer from two different chemicals.

Angie took two students at a time to do this activity.  We were extremely careful as the chemicals used can be harmful if splashed on the skin or in the eyes.

The membrane of nylon is being drawn up from the interface between the two layers of chemicals. We carefully dripped the less-dense Sebacoyl Chloride Hexane down a glass stirring rod so it would sit on top of the denser 1,6 Hexane Diamine. We wanted to avoid stirring or mixing the layers because where they touch, nylon instantly forms. We wanted to draw up a filament, not stir up a lump!

For instructions, see the RSC Nylon Rope Trick demonstration.